Girlguiding UK unveil new interactive tool

March 3, 2011

Girlguiding UK today launched a new digital resource called “give yourself a chance” aimed at offering advice to teenage girls considering plastic surgery, urging them to think twice and seek different methods of boosting self-confidence. The initiative comes in response to new figures from the Girls’ attitudes survey, revealing the shocking extent to which teenage girls and young women feel pressurised to look a certain way.

The survey found that:
• 47% of girls think that the pressure to look attractive is the most negative part of being female
• Half of young women aged 16-21 would consider cosmetic surgery and;
• Over 1 in 10 girls aged 11-16 would consider cosmetic surgery to change the way they look.

“Give yourself a chance” is aimed primarily at teenage girls between the ages of 12-16 years old, containing experiences and testimonies of young people themselves in an attempt to demonstrate effective techniques for improving self-esteem. In addition, it also provides a useful mechanism for adults to engage with the girls and young women who they support.

One of the tips to boost self-confidence came from Liz, aged 21:

“Try out lots of new things until you find something that you really enjoy whether it is running, cooking, climbing or writing. When you are feeling a bit down, do that activity and you will feel so much more confident about yourself.”

The interactive tool also contains top tips from CBC’s campaign partners All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, co-founder of the Campaign for Body Confidence, Jo Swinson MP, and is supported by Lynne Featherstone, Minister for Equalities.